New Ulm starts out 150th with a birthday bash

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM--Over 200 of New Ulm's elite turned out for the formal attire/costume ball Saturday night, the first event in 2004 marking the city's 150th anniversary celebration.

"The turn-out was very good. We sold 204 tickets," reported Rene Retzlaff, chair of the Costume Ball committee. "We've had a lot of famous people here, too, and more are expected before the evening ends."

Of course, Hermann and Thusnelda showed up, as did Zorro and Dorothy and Toto from Kansas. There also was a group impersonating -- or were they? -- city councilors who put on a little skit.

Marilyn Monroe was expected momentarily, and most certainly, Elvis would not be far behind, Retzlaff, dressed as a '20s flapper, said.

"The detailed costumes people came in were really awesome, and some even made their own costumes which is really awesome,too. People have really gotten into the spirit (of the anniversary celebration)," Retzlaff continued.

And what would a costume ball be without music?

Paul Imholte of St. Cloud played for the social hour, giving way to musicians from the George Mauer Group, first stringed and then "morphing" into a seven-piece brass band as dinner music. Later, The Contenders played to wind up the evening.

Meanwhile, attendees could capture the ambience of the moment with a Sesquicentennial Commemorative Portrait.

The next event will be the Kids' Fasching on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14.